Correlates of Rates and Treatment Readiness for Depressive Symptoms, Pain, and Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients: Results from the TĀCcare Study.

Abstract

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) often experience clinically significant levels of pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. We explored potential sociodemographic differences in symptom burden, current treatment, and readiness to seek treatment for these symptoms in patients screened for the TĀCcare trial. In-center HD patients from Pennsylvania and New Mexico were screened for fatigue (≥5 on 0 to10-point Likert scale), pain (Likert scale ≥4), depressive symptoms (≥10 Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and readiness to seek treatment (5-item Stages of Behavior Change questionnaire). Symptom burden and treatment status by sociodemographic factors were evaluated using chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression models. From March 2018-Dec 2021, 506 of 896 (57%) patients screened met eligibility criteria and completed the symptom screening (mean age 60±13.9 years, 44% females, 17% Black, 25% American Indian, 25% Hispanics). Of these, 77% screened positive for ≥1 symptom and 35% of those were receiving treatment for ≥1 of these symptoms. Pain, fatigue, and depressive symptom rates were 52%, 64%, and 24%, respectively. Age <65 was associated with a higher burden of depressive symptoms, pain, and reporting ≥1 symptom (p<0.05). The percentage of patients ready to seek treatment increased with symptom burden. More males reported readiness to seek treatment (85% vs. 68% of females, p<0.001). Among those with symptoms and treatment readiness, income was inversely associated with pain (>$60k/yr: OR=0.16, CI=0.03-0.76), and living in less walkable neighborhoods with more depressive symptoms (OR= 5.34, CI=1.19-24.05) and fatigue (OR= 5.29, CI=1.38-20.33). Pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms often occurred together, and younger age, less neighborhood walkability, and lower income were associated with a higher burden of symptoms in HD patients. Male patients were less likely to be receiving treatment for symptoms. These findings could inform priority HD patient symptom identification and treatment targets.